Re: St Nicholas, Gosforth (Newcastle Consistory Court; Blackett-Ord Ch. 27 October 1988)

A faculty was sought to remove pews from the north aisle of the church and to move the font from its position at the west end into the vacant space. Having regard to Canons B21 and Fl the Chancellor concluded that Holy Baptism was normally to be administered at Sunday worship, near the entrance to the church, using a font conveniently situated there and kept solely for that purpose. The practice (which had prevailed in the church for three years) of using a movable bowl at the chancel steps instead of the font was uncanonical. There was limited room around the font where it stood at the west end, whereas there would be ample space in its intended position. Moreover, the proposal would have the advantage of bringing the font back into proper use. The pews were not of particular interest. The proposal ought not to be rejected on aesthetic or historical
grounds. A faculty was granted, the direction about position in Canon F1 not being absolute and the Chancellor being satisfied that the position of the font was not convenient. A compromise solution that there should be two fonts could not be authorised. There can only be one font, just as there is only one baptism.

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(1989) 1:5 Ecc LJ 4-5